A DISPUTE with his sister about their elderly father's care descended into a former Niton man attacking her and her partner, an Isle of Wight court was told. 

Andrew Peter Froud, 54, of Barton Road, Newport, admitted assaulting his sister and her partner by beating, in Niton, on May 2.

At his father's home in Niton, an argument broke out, which developed into Froud shouting abuse and pushing his sister's shoulders, said Lauren Stone, prosecuting, at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court.

Her sister's partner, on hearing the commotion, came out and was met with threats of violence and abuse, before Froud took a swing at him, which connected, and pushed him over.

The male victim suffered injury to his back, arms and elbow, which caused bleeding. 

For Froud, Michael McGoldrick said: "He accepts he let his guard down and pushed both of them, for which he is apologetic. He disputes raising his fists to his sister's partner and that he struck him.

"He has an ongoing alcohol issue, he drank on that day and over-reacted to some provocation from them. 

"He has not seen his father in five months and he still loves his sister. He hopes to build bridges and reconcile his relationship with her."

Magistrates ordered a report on Froud. He was given bail, with conditions not to contact the victims, for sentencing on November 3.